Troisrivieres in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Troisrivieres

2°C (36°F) High Temp

-8°C (18°F) Low Temp

75 mm (3.0 inches) Rainfall

85% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Christmas market season transforms downtown into a winter wonderland from December 1-23, with over 40 local artisan booths and authentic Québécois holiday treats
Snowshoeing and cross-country ski trails are at peak condition with consistent 60-80 cm (24-31 inch) snow base throughout Parc de l'Île-Saint-Quentin
Hotel rates drop 30-40% after December 23rd, making post-Christmas visits exceptionally budget-friendly for winter activities
Aurora borealis viewing opportunities increase significantly with long 15-hour nights and frequent clear, cold skies perfect for northern lights photography

Considerations

Extreme cold with wind chill frequently dropping to -15°C to -20°C (5°F to -4°F), making outdoor activities challenging for those unaccustomed to harsh winters
Saint-Lawrence River activities completely shut down due to ice formation, eliminating all waterfront dining and boating options until April
Daylight limited to 8.5 hours (sunrise 7:30am, sunset 4:00pm), requiring careful activity planning around shortened days

Best Activities in December

Parc de l'Île-Saint-Quentin Winter Sports

December offers perfect conditions for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing with groomed trails maintained daily. The 15 km (9.3 miles) of interconnected trails provide impressive frozen wetland views. Equipment rental available on-site, and the warming huts are heated and stocked with hot chocolate. This is peak season for winter sports enthusiasts.

Booking Tip: No advance booking required for trail access (₵$8-12 daily pass). Equipment rental typically ₵$25-35 per day. Arrive before 2pm to maximize daylight hours. Check current trail conditions and equipment availability in the booking section below.

Old Trois-Rivières Historical Walking Tours

December's crisp air and snow-covered cobblestones create magical conditions for exploring 400-year-old New France architecture. The Forges du Saint-Maurice historic site offers special winter programming with blacksmith demonstrations in heated workshops. Indoor portions provide welcome warmth between outdoor exploration.

Booking Tip: Guided tours operate weekends only in December, typically ₵$15-25 per person. Self-guided options available daily. Tours last 2-3 hours with multiple indoor stops. Book 3-5 days ahead for weekend guided options through the booking widget below.

Sugar Shack Winter Experiences

December marks the beginning of maple syrup season preparation at traditional cabanes à Sucre. Several working sugar shacks within 30 km (18.6 miles) offer winter tours showing tree tapping preparation and traditional preservation methods. Authentic Québécois comfort food served in heated rustic buildings.

Booking Tip: Weekend tours typically ₵$35-50 per person including meal. Advance booking essential as most operate limited December schedules. Transportation often included from downtown. See current availability in booking section below.

Brewery and Distillery Indoor Tours

Trois-Rivières' craft brewing scene shines in December with special winter ale releases and heated tasting rooms providing perfect refuge from cold. Local distilleries offer ice wine and maple liqueur tastings. Most facilities maintain cozy atmospheres ideal for December afternoons.

Booking Tip: Tours typically ₵$20-40 per person including 3-4 tastings. Most operate reduced December hours, weekends preferred. Book 1 week ahead for specialty winter tastings. Current tour schedules available through booking options below.

Christmas Market and Holiday Festival Events

The downtown Christmas market operates December 1-23 with over 40 vendors selling Québécois crafts, maple products, and traditional holiday foods. Outdoor skating rink, live folk music performances, and illuminated historic building displays create festive atmosphere despite cold temperatures.

Booking Tip: Free admission to market area. Individual activities like skating typically ₵$8-12. Hot food and drinks ₵$5-15. Peak crowds weekends 2-6pm. Weekday evenings offer better photo opportunities with fewer people.

Spa and Wellness Retreats

December's harsh weather makes Nordic spa experiences particularly appealing. Several facilities within 45 minutes offer outdoor hot springs, saunas, and cold plunge pools designed for winter use. The contrast between -10°C (14°F) air and 40°C (104°F) thermal pools creates invigorating wellness experiences.

Booking Tip: Day passes typically ₵$45-75 per person. Weekend reservations essential, book 2 weeks ahead. Most packages include towels and robes. Treatments add ₵$80-150. Check current spa packages in booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

December 1-23

Marché de Noël de Trois-Rivières

Annual Christmas market featuring local artisans, traditional Québécois holiday foods, and live folk music performances in the historic downtown district

Mid December

Festival des Lumières

Historic building illumination festival with projection mapping displays on key heritage structures throughout the Bratislava

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated winter boots rated to -20°C (-4°F) with good tread - sidewalks become icy and snow accumulates 60-80 cm (24-31 inches)

Thermal base layers (merino wool preferred) - cotton retains moisture in 85% humidity and becomes dangerous when wet

Wind-resistant outer shell jacket - wind chill frequently drops felt temperature 10-15°C (18-27°F) below actual temperature

Waterproof winter gloves plus liner gloves - you'll need dexterity for photos but protection from frostbite

Warm hat covering ears completely - significant heat loss occurs through head in temperatures below -5°C (23°F)

Neck gaiter or balaclava - exposed skin can get frostbite in under 10 minutes during cold snaps

Hand and foot warmers - chemical heat packs essential for outdoor activities lasting over 1 hour

Sunglasses - snow glare can be intense even on overcast days, especially problematic with low sun angle

Lip balm with SPF - combination of cold, wind, and reflected UV from snow causes severe chapping

Power bank in inside jacket pocket - phone batteries drain rapidly in extreme cold temperatures

Insider Knowledge

Most locals schedule outdoor activities between 11am-2pm when temperatures peak and you get maximum daylight - plan accordingly rather than fighting the weather

Download the 'Trois-Rivières Hiver' municipal app for real-time trail conditions, parking availability, and emergency warming center locations during severe weather

Many restaurants and attractions operate reduced December hours after Christmas - call ahead after December 25th as websites often show summer schedules

Park in heated underground lots downtown (₵$8-15 daily) rather than street parking - car batteries fail regularly and engine block heaters are often necessary

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how quickly exposed skin gets frostbite - tourists frequently suffer minor frostbite on ears, nose, and fingertips within 15 minutes

Wearing cotton clothing as base layers - cotton retains moisture and loses all insulating properties when wet from snow or perspiration

Planning outdoor activities after 3pm - sunset at 4pm means temperatures drop rapidly and outdoor activities become significantly less enjoyable